Pulp Canal Obliteration
Also written as: PCO — Pulp Canal Obliteration
Progressive narrowing or complete obliteration of the root canal space by the deposition of secondary or tertiary dentine, visible radiographically as a reduction or absence of the normal radiolucent canal outline.
Full Definition
Pulp canal obliteration (PCO) occurs when the dental pulp lays down excessive secondary or tertiary dentine in response to trauma, caries, or ageing, resulting in a canal that appears radiographically narrowed or absent. It is most commonly encountered following dental trauma, particularly luxation injuries, and may precede pulp necrosis in a significant proportion of cases. Editors should note that 'obliteration' implies a complete filling of the canal space, while 'calcification' is the broader process; these terms should not be used interchangeably in clinical manuscripts. CBCT is increasingly used to locate calcified canals prior to endodontic treatment.
Usage
Usage note: PCO is acceptable as an abbreviation after first use in a report. Do not conflate with 'pulp necrosis,' which refers to death of the pulp tissue rather than its calcification.
In Context
- "Periapical radiographs taken two years post-trauma demonstrated progressive pulp canal obliteration in the upper left central incisor." — Endodontic case report
- "PCO was identified in 23% of traumatised teeth in the study cohort, of which a subset later developed apical periodontitis." — Research article